The Courage To Be Disliked: A single book can change your life (Courage To series) (Cover may vary) Paperback – 3 Jan. 2019

I read this last autumn so I’m fuzzy on some of the details however the lesson of this book remains with me. I’m not the sort of person to say that a book changed my life but this book deeply impacted me (it changed my life).I’ve been “stuck” for decades - too much in my thoughts and feelings, too much in the thoughts and feelings of others. Having read this book, my life has transformed. My worldview and approach to life, especially interpersonal interactions and my internal state is so different. I am much mirr in control, at ease in myself and that is *major* for someone like me. No, every day is not perfect but my baseline - my bar - has risen and will never fall again.It’s not a long book but I read this very slowly, pages at a time over a few months so I could fully absorb it. Sometimes I had to go over the same pages a few times to get my head around concepts which felt so alien to me. Sometimes I just felt frustrated with what I was reading and needed a break.I found it quite challenging to read in parts, feeling “called out” when I recognised how my own thoughts and actions were keeping me stuck - and even more so that my stuckness was a choice, one which was serving me in ways I didn’t realise. It was a hard pill to swallow but being able to digest it privately, slowly and reading in my own time gave the opportunity for it to sink in, in a non-threatening way. I was able to see the light on the other side of all of this.I needed to understand and receive this information by book - if someone had come up to me and told me this stuff I’d have wanted to punch them in the face and shut it all down. Books are good. Books are safe spaces. Take your time with it.I’ve wanted to gift this book to others who seem stuck but don’t feel it’s my place to impose it on anyone. I think many of us, especially those who have been harmed, will find it *very* challenging to take accountability for the way our lives have panned out post-harm. For that reason I only ever let people know I’ve read it, that I’ve benefited from it and leave it at that.If you’re reading this and feel tired of your stuckness and feel ready to be challenged, privately, in your own time, and in a safe way, I highly recommend giving it a go.Wishing all of you well, wherever you are on your journeys and whether you loved or hated this book.

The Courage to Be Disliked really caught me off guard in the best way. I went into it expecting another self-help book with a bit of solid advice here and there, but this felt different. The whole premise of Adlerian psychology, framed as a conversation between a philosopher and a young man, made it feel like I was sitting across from someone wiser than me, gently pushing me to think deeper about how I approach life.The core message – that we’re often held back by the need for approval and the fear of what others think – really hit home. I found myself nodding along as I read, especially in a world where it’s easy to get caught up in what people expect from you. It’s a reminder to stop playing the comparison game and start living on your own terms, which is something I think we could all benefit from hearing more of.There were parts that were incredibly empowering, like the emphasis on personal responsibility and how we choose to live our lives. The book really encourages you to take control, to realise that you’re the one who shapes your destiny – no one else. But, I will admit, it felt a bit too idealistic in places. Life isn’t always so clean-cut, and not every situation can be fixed with the “just don’t care what others think” approach.That said, this book is a great reminder to examine how much of our unhappiness is created by us, and how freeing it can be to stop looking for validation from others. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. If you’re ready for a mindset shift and willing to put in the work, this one’s worth diving into.

I recently finished reading "The Courage To Be Disliked," and I have to say, it’s quite a thought-provoking book. The format, which is a dialogue between a philosopher and a youth, makes the ideas flow naturally and keeps you engaged throughout.What really stood out to me is the concept of how much our happiness is tied to our own perceptions and the choices we make. The authors challenge the idea that we’re shaped solely by our past experiences or other people's opinions. Instead, they encourage readers to take control of their lives and find their own path.I appreciated how the book emphasized the importance of being true to yourself, even if it means facing criticism or disapproval from others. It’s a refreshing take that seems especially relevant today, where social media pressures can make it really hard to feel authentic.While some ideas may take a bit to digest, I found the overall message empowering. It's not just about letting go of the need for approval; it’s about understanding that our worth isn’t determined by others. If you’re looking for a book that prompts self-reflection and inspires you to think differently about life, I’d definitely recommend giving "The Courage To Be Disliked" a shot.

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve ever read. Drawing from Adlerian psychology, it challenges conventional beliefs about happiness, self-worth, and relationships. The book is structured as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young student, making complex ideas easy to understand and deeply engaging.One of the book’s core messages—that we are not defined by our past and can choose to live freely, without seeking approval from others—is both liberating and challenging. Some concepts may feel radical at first, but if you keep an open mind, you’ll find powerful insights that can genuinely transform how you approach life.If you’re interested in philosophy, psychology, or self-improvement, this is a must-read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking true happiness and inner peace!